This report measures and monitors the wellbeing of New Zealand families and provides a snapshot of family wellbeing based on survey data spanning 2008 to 2014. Being part of a family, in whatever fashion we define it, is a universal experience that forms the most significant socialising influence in our lives. In 2015, we presented a national picture of how families and whanāu are faring. To find out how families of different ethnicities are faring, we have produced the Families and Whānau Status Report 2016, our fourth. It is important that decision-makers know where to focus their attention and what works to improve outcomes. This report helps build a solid base of evidence to help decision-makers in the social sector make informed decisions about policies and programmes that affect families. So, how are European, Māori, Pacific and Asian families faring?

The report finds that:

• Younger European couples are faring reasonably well but younger Māori, Pacific and Asian couples face some challenges
• Most older couples are at a life stage where they have become financially secure but health issues are a concern
• Māori, Pacific and Asian families with two parents and younger children face a mixture of challenges
• Single parents with younger children face financial and psychological stresses and some struggle with employment and skills
• Couples with adult children have fair to strong results overall, however Pacific families appear to be facing difficulties
• Single-parent families with adult children are doing relatively well economically but many have poorer health outcomes